Mission

Founded in 2005, “The purpose and mission of this organization is to connect today’s generation to the history and culture of their community and create the lost sense of pride and hope. To develop the community’s deep- rooted assets into a thriving economic engine that will fuel the desires and positive aspirations of our youth for years to come. Further to unite, display our contributions and welcome all to share with a community that has pride, dignity, and has given and has much more to offer the world.”

Vision

As we move forward with this revitalization plan, we understand that development must be paired with the education of our youth and strong partnerships within the community. We will Start preparing kids early—Pre-K for STEM based curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)— for the jobs of the 21st century; Target investments in the blocks around the sites of schools serving the community, including Booker T. Washington and Renaissance (building from key physical and institutional anchors and assets). Parents and administrators, teaming up to engage youth on neighborhood-based activities combining academic, Career and Technical, and Community- development activities. Partner with workforce development programs in Upton and promote opportunities to residents in the community. Implement development standards that require developers to use local workers. Establish a pipeline that connects local construction trade workers with local development projects in Upton. “The arts generate jobs and revenue for a community and serve as a deciding factor in a business’ decision to move to a new area, for they enhance the quality of life a community offers.

Goals

• Through strong collaboration with partners, sponsors and supporters, the organization seeks to develop and implement transformational programming impacting lives in communities of color, in particular the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.

• Transform nuisance properties into good, affordable housing, inviting businesses to streets where crime once deterred investment, and reclaiming parks to make them safe places for people from all walks of life to enjoy.

• Board Members are influential decision makers and opinion leaders making a difference in their communities and nationally. Members are corporate and civic leaders; educators, workforce development specialist, law enforcement; musicians; role models; mentors; activists; and, volunteers who work toward a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership.

• Board members give of their time, talents and monetary resources to support the mission.

• Our goal is to build The Royal Theater & Community Heritage Center. This holistic development project consists of a new Royal Theater, Jazz Center, retail shops and restaurants.

• As part of the project, we are investing in an outdoor recreational space that our senior citizens and youth can enjoy together. This new recreational space, including a clubhouse, will become a safe place for our youth, and something of which they can be proud.

Founding Board of Directors

James W. Hamlin, President; Vice President, Joey Richards, Charm City Signs; Secretary, Alice Cole, Baltimore City Office of Employment Development; Treasurer, Art Varnado, Vice Prseident T. Rowe Price; Adrian Johnson. Vice President/Treasurer Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU); Edwin Avent, President Heart & Soul Magazine; George Gilliam, Executive Director Pennsylvania Avenue Redevelopment Collaborative; Charles Harrison, Harrison Associates, LLC; Ray Haysbert, Baltimore Urban League; Thomas A. Kiefaber, The Senator Theater; Charles Sydnor III, Attorney, Enterprise Foundation

Current Board Members Biography

James W. Hamlin • Ms. Alice Cole
Adrian S. Johnson • Ms. Belinda Frederick
James A. Dow • Reverend Dr. Arnold William Howard
Edwin V. Avent • Rebecca Gardner
Jo Ann K. Joseph • Charles E. Harrison